The Polaroids
Take a look at some of the stunning Polaroids portraits, taken on the rare Polaroid 20 x 24 Studio camera, and discover the story behind the images that characterise the Opuses.
The Camera
The unique Polaroid images that adorn the Opuses were captured using a Polaroid 20 x 24 Studio camera. This huge camera stands 5ft high and weighs 235lb and produces superbly detailed 20 x 24in (50 x 60cm) images. Originally developed to enable the accurate reproduction of works of art, photographers soon started to use it as a creative tool.
The nature of the Studio camera creates genuinely unique one-off images. The distinctive patterning around the edge of each image is a result of the developing chemicals used in the process.
The camera uses a continuous roll of film as opposed to the single sheets often associated with Polaroid images. Three types of film can be employed in the camera, colour, black and white, and a sepia coloured film affectionately referred to as “chocolate”.
Arsenal Opus
The Polaroids from the Arsenal Opus captured the clubs heroes past, present and future. The Studio camera was especially brought over to London from Prague for the task. Learn more...
Celtic Opus
The Celtic Opus contains a Polaroid gallery of greats from the history of Celtic Football Club, including a group shot of all the surviving Lisbon Lions. Learn more...
F1 Opus
The Polaroids from the F1 Opus were captured at Silverstone during the British Grand Prix. Those photographed included past and present drivers, including numerous world champions, alongside other personalities from the world of F1. Learn more...
VW Opus
Ninety-seven colour, black and white and chocolate Polaroids make up the Vivienne Westwood Opus. The photographs were captured on the Studio camera in photoshoots London and Paris. Learn more...